Actor Neil Newbon discusses his journey in video games, challenges in acting, and starting to teach. Topics include creativity in gaming, social media impact, and finding fulfillment in the industry. He also talks about motion capture evolution, developing characters, balancing multiple roles, and embracing self-confidence.
Embracing challenges and setbacks is crucial for personal and artistic growth in the creative industry.
Supporting and mentoring others is essential for success and giving back to the community in the entertainment field.
Focusing on the journey and process, rather than just results, is key to sustaining motivation and resilience in artistic pursuits.
Maintaining humility, gratitude, and perseverance are vital traits for navigating the challenges of the creative industry and finding purpose.
Deep dives
The Value of Resilience and Hard Work in Creative Industries
The podcast episode delves into the importance of resilience and hard work in the creative industries, highlighting the personal journey of the guest who faced financial struggles and almost quit acting before finding success in games. The guest emphasizes the need to embrace challenges and stay grounded, acknowledging that success does not come easily and often entails overcoming rejection and self-doubt.
Championing Others and Giving Back
The podcast explores the guest's journey from facing rejection and financial difficulties to achieving success in acting and directing. The guest reflects on the importance of championing others and giving back, sharing how the exposure and recognition received have opened up new possibilities for mentoring and supporting aspiring actors. The guest emphasizes the value of humility and gratitude in navigating the industry and using their platform to help others succeed.
Embracing the Process and Journey
The episode emphasizes the significance of embracing the process and journey in creative endeavors, rather than solely focusing on end results and external validation. The guest shares personal experiences of facing rejection, canceled projects, and the struggles that are often unseen by the audience. The importance of perseverance, hard work, and continual growth is highlighted as essential elements for success in the industry.
Navigating Challenges and Overcoming Rejection
The conversation in the podcast sheds light on the challenges of the industry, including rejection and the need for resilience. The guest shares insights on the realities of auditions, lost opportunities, and the personal toll of facing rejection. The emphasis is placed on the need to navigate through setbacks, maintain a strong work ethic, and find purpose in the creative journey despite the inevitable hurdles.
Importance of Learning from Mistakes
Interacting positively with rejection and failure leads to personal and artistic evolution. Embracing challenges and disappointments can define growth and humility, fostering gratitude and the readiness to help others.
Normalizing Diversity and Inclusion
The podcast delves into how the game 'Baldur's Gate' serves as an example of normalizing inclusivity and diversity. By featuring pansexual characters without accolades, the game showcases diverse relationships and identities, creating a realistic and mature gaming experience that promotes acceptance.
Maintaining Privacy in Public Life
The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal privacy in the face of public attention. By selectively sharing one's life and opinions, the focus remains on the artistic work rather than personal distractions or criticisms.
Embracing Independence from Social Media
Encouraging detachment from the validation of social media metrics, the conversation highlights the need to prioritize self-awareness and genuine connections over online popularity. Rejecting the weight of online opinions and focusing on true relationships and personal growth offers a healthier perspective on social presence.
Alexa Ray Corriea chats with Baldur's Gate 3 Actor Neil Newbon. Together they discuss his journey as an actor and the challenges he encountered that almost caused him to abandon his craft; finding an avenue for creative expression in video games including acting and directing; how social media warps expectations; and why he decided to start teaching.
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The Game Maker's Notebook is sponsored by Xsolla. To learn more, go to xsolla.pro/AOIAAS.
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